---
title: Tread
description: "## Tread ###### – The horizontal component of a staircase or the step, the part you walk on. The tread rests on a [riser](/docs/riser/) - or the vertical component of a step. ![Stair tread, stair parts, Stair Runner glossary](https://eayei6t27mg.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/glossary-tread.jpg?strip=all&resize=268%2C268) We…"
url: "https://www.stairrunnerstore.com/docs/tread/"
updated: "2026-09-22"
category: Glossary
tags:
  - Staircase Glossary
---

# Tread

## Tread

###### – The horizontal component of a staircase or the step, the part you walk on. The tread rests on a [riser](/docs/riser/) - or the vertical component of a step.

![Stair tread, stair parts, Stair Runner glossary](https://eayei6t27mg.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/glossary-tread.jpg?strip=all&resize=268%2C268)

We refer to stair counts as the number of treads/number of risers. Example: a single run on a straight staircase with 12 treads has 13 risers. When there is a landing or other break within the staircase, the thread/riser counts should be broken down by each flight or run. Let's say those 12 treads were instead split into 2 sections like the following example -  your 2 sections might be 5 treads/6 risers + 7 treads/8 risers OR a total of 12 treads and14 risers. This is important when calculating linear footage required.

*The total number of risers is always greater than the total number of treads.*

### Additional Stair Runner Glossary Articles:

[Riser](https://www.stairrunnerstore.com/docs/riser/)

[Nosing](https://www.stairrunnerstore.com/docs/nosing/)

[Landing](https://www.stairrunnerstore.com/docs/landing/)

[Straight Staircase](https://www.stairrunnerstore.com/docs/straight-staircase/)